MSPs and Scottish SPCA call for action on Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade

Politicians from across parties came together for the charity’s annual photocall, meeting dogs that have been victims of some of the worst animal welfare cases the Society has encountered.

The event, sponsored by MSP Emma Harper, highlighted the urgency of ending this heartless trade, which causes immense suffering for the puppies involved and leaves the families who unknowingly buy them heartbroken.

Emma Harper MSP, said: “I was pleased to host the SSPCA in Parliament today and show MSPs for themselves some of the victims of this pernicious trade.

“We know the law-breaking involved in puppy farming doesn’t usually stop at their contempt for animals and their welfare – it also extends to organised crime and wider criminality.

“It is crucially important to make sure the message is shared to policy-makers in our national parliament. This is vital if we want to tackle this cruel and heart-breaking trade and those behind it.

“The SSPCA are doing a tremendous job, as do Police Scotland and the criminal justice authorities, but ultimately this market would disappear overnight if the demand disappeared – and that means buying puppies through reputable and legitimate sellers.”

Harper has long supported efforts to tackle the low-welfare puppy trade and continues to encourage the public to only buy puppies from reputable breeders. Further guidance can be found on the Scottish SPCA website.

MSPs met Sky and Louie, the latter rescued from conditions linked to a prolific dealer who was convicted earlier this year. The puppies found in that case were kept in extremely poor conditions, revealing once again the brutal reality of Scotland’s illegal puppy trade.

Laura McIntyre, Head of Rescue and Prevention, said: “The stories we have shared today show the reality behind Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade. This is not about ‘bad breeders’. It is organised, deliberate cruelty carried out for profit. Puppies suffer, families are left devastated and criminals make money from misery.

“My thanks to Emma Harper and all MSPs who joined us. We need stronger tools to deal with this problem, including implementation of a National Animal Offenders Register and modernised legislation that recognises the ways online platforms are increasingly used to facilitate and promote cruelty.

“Scotland can and should lead the way in protecting animals. It is time to close the gaps that allow this cruelty to continue.”

The Scottish SPCA leads the UK and Irish Pet Trade Taskforce, which works to disrupt low-welfare puppy trading and continuously urges the public to play their part.

The photocall took place ahead of the Christmas period – one of the busiest and most challenging times when known puppy dealers look to take advantage of kind-hearted members of the public. The Crown Office has warned that puppies bought from illicit breeders during the festive season may be helping to bankroll drug traffickers and money launderers.

Thousands of pounds are channelled into Scotland’s criminal underworld every year through sales from unscrupulous puppy farms. Some designer dog breeds can fetch as much as £3,000.

Sineidin Corrins, Procurator Fiscal at COPFS, said: “Illegal puppy farming has grown significantly among serious organised crime gangs as a way of raising finance. 

“It plays a fundamental part in financing crime in Scotland. The public should be aware that these gangs are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and money laundering.

“Therefore, our message is clear.

“It is critically important that anyone considering buying a puppy is aware of the pitfalls in respect of not buying from legitimate dog breeders and unintentionally supporting this cruel and illegal trade which exploits pets and causes them terrible suffering.

“By doing this, you are also helping to choke off a revenue supply to serious organised crime gangs and reducing the harm they inflict on Scottish communities.

“We will always take prosecutorial action in matters involving puppy farms where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”

The Scottish SPCA revealed it has received 2,143 calls in the last five years about suspected puppy farms and low-welfare breeding. So far this year, the charity has received 220 calls from the public.

Many animals trafficked by puppy farmers suffer severe health problems and can cost their owners substantial vet bills, while others are too ill to survive into adulthood.

MSPs also had the opportunity to learn more about the Scottish SPCA’s recently published manifesto, which sets out key reforms to better protect animals in Scotland.

One priority is the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register, built into existing intelligence systems to support the monitoring of individuals convicted of cruelty, particularly those banned from owning animals, and to strengthen links between agencies. Importantly, it would also help address the well-established link between those who harm animals and those who go on to harm humans.

The charity is also urging the government to review the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, which needs updating to address how online platforms are used to promote, advertise and facilitate certain criminal behaviours, including animal fighting. The legislation requires reform to support the Scottish SPCA’s mission of making Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home.

Read the full manifesto here.

To report any act of cruelty visit our website here.